Anorexia Nervosa Research Paper

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The purposes for this research is that in the past it has been believed that many young women and men who have eating disorders have a higher likelihood to become addicted to other substances and engage is risky behaviors. Anorexia nervosa has the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric disorder; thus, it is pertinent for researcher to find more information on proper treatment and prevention mechanisms. From other studies it has been shown that those with bulimia nervosa and those with anorexia nervosa with bulimic symptoms are more likely than those with restrictive anorexia nervosa to use substances recreationally. A clinical study done by Strober, Freeman, Bower, and Rigali (in press) followed a set of adolescents over a ten-year period …show more content…

114 of the participants were Caucasian. They were evaluated using the DSM-III-R criteria. The study took place at a university-based outpatient eating disorder clinic. Clinicians gave each participant a 2 hour long diagnostic evaluation, all clinician were knowledgeable and experienced in the field of treatment of eating disorders. They diagnosed 59 of the participants with anorexia nervosa and 58 of the participants with bulimia nervosa. Those who met both of the criteria were placed in the anorexia nervosa group. After confirming each participant’s diagnosis, they completed a 24-paged instrument regarding substance use. They were asked to answer question on the use of eight different drugs: alcohol, amphetamines, barbiturates, hallucinogens, marijuana, tranquilizers, cocaine, and cigarettes. After that, they tested for impulse behaviors using a self-reported history. They test specifically for suicide attempts, self-injurious behavior, stealing, and sexual intercourse. Some examples of questions they asked include: “Have you ever tried to physically hurt yourself (examples of this include cutting yourself, hitting yourself with intent to hurt, burning yourself with cigarettes.)?” or “Have you ever stolen items related to eating or weight (examples of this include food, laxatives, diet pills

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